le Carré, John (1974) ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’, UK signed and inscribed first edition

John le Carré (David Cornwell) (1974) ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy‘, UK first edition, first printing, published by Hodder & Stoughton. Signed an inscribed by le Carré on the title page: “John le Carré * for Michael Newman with warmest good wishes [*”David” underneath the inscription]”.

Provenance: this is one of four signed first editions signed for Michael Newman which we have recently aquired in the south-west of England. As the inscription in the ‘Russia House’ copy reveals Michael Newman has been le Carré’s long friend, neighbour and occasional councilor on his work in progress. A wonderful association. Signed copies are exceptionall scarce and desired, and most ‘signed’ copies are either provided by means of a laid in signature or with questionable provenance at best.

Condition: a very good plus to near fine copy with slight shelf wear and a whiff of foxing on the side page block (no foxing at the bottom page block edge). No other scribbles inside the book. No lean. Burgundy top stain present as called for. Boards clean and well preserved. Lettering on spine clean, vibrant and not rubbed out. The dust jacket is very good with the usual spine fade and slight edge wear at the folds.

This is the first volume in the seminal ‘Karla’ trilogy and remains le Carre’s signature novel, and perhaps the most famous, best written, and most loved spy thriller of all time. It has been adapted by the BBC as a TV-mini series starring Sir Alec Guinness in 1979, and as movie starring Gary Oldman in 2011. There have also been numerous radio adaptations.